What: Incredible Scones and chilled Champagne
Where: Ten Manchester Street (www.tenmanchesterstreethotel.com)
Why: Chilled, great service and scrumptious food

A few weeks back I needed to find a place for afternoon tea. I had few friends coming over from the country (zone 6) and we decided it was about time we had a proper catch up over afternoon tea. We usually head to different places around town, depending on what we feel like, and they put me in charge of finding a new place we hadn’t tried yet. I put on my spy glasses and started looking. After asking around, the buzz was that the afternoon tea at The Ten Manchester Street was to be not only tried, but experienced.

Quick phone call, table booked and we arrived a few days later. The first impressions of the hotel are stylish, warmly spacious and buzzing. It feels homely. We are guided through to the beautiful decorated lounge bar and take our seat around a table; I sink into my chair and feel the stress of the week melt away.

We of course order the Champagne Afternoon Tea, the cork is popped and our tiers of plates arrive. As we catch up on the latest gossip, we get interrupt each other with comments on the food. The sandwiches are to die for. Classic, but twisted in a great way.  Another bottle of Champagne appears out of nowhere and we keep eating. Once the savoury stuff is polished off, we move onto the sweets and I had a feeling we were going to need another plate. My sweet tooth is screaming for action! It’s all pretty incredible. I am obsessed and addicted. Can I stay and eat the entire day?

As I walk out, stuffed, giggly and up to speed with all I need to know. I look back. The hotel stands on the street like a beacon for those who need a comfortable setting, relaxed athomspehere, incredible food and all served with a smile.